The Great British Skinny Dip
24th January, 2018
Taking place across the UK in September 2018 The Great British Skinny Dip (GPSD) has been organised to create an upbeat health-focused, anyone-can-do-it, exciting challenge for people in the UK to discover health benefits and to help change people’s attitudes towards body image.
Throughout #Septembare 2018 there will be many opportunities, in varied locations all around the country, for people discover the fun, exhilaration and liberation of shaking off their clothes – and their troubles too! “I’m sure there are plenty of keen outdoor swimmers who also enjoy doing so without costumes and others that haven’t yet experienced that exhilaration and who would like to,” says Andrew Welch, from British Naturism. “I imagine that it would be relatively easy for existing wild swims to be declared ‘skinny-dips’ or at least ‘costume optional’ – why not set up an event?”
The aim of the GBSD is to overcome the nudity barrier by raising awareness of all the health, well-being and body-positivity benefits of nudity, and especially social nudity. “Of course, we don’t expect everyone to participate in nude activities as a result but we will be educating, busting the myths and changing all those decades-long attitudes that suggest that we are anything other than completely normal people, just like everyone else, with nothing to hide,” says Andrew. “We need as many venues as possible and we want your suggestions! This is a national campaign that we can all get involved in and support. Plenty of resources and information will be available but we need YOU to think about where it could take place in your area.”
What kind of venues are GPSD looking for?
Anywhere you can swim safely. Outdoor or wild locations are perfect so let’s include lakes and tarns, rivers, open-air lidos, and beaches. Nothing wrong with indoor locations – and sometimes with the British weather they can be preferable. Existing Naturist locations like clubs and swims are also obvious places for people to give it a try – and can be a way to find new members. There is more information for hosts here.
How will the events be organised?
It depends on the location. Public venues such as lakes, beaches or rivers just need someone to coordinate a gathering. Private locations such as leisure centres can be hired by an individual or group – or even be persuaded to host their own. There will be factsheets available with ideas and sample words for correspondence but don’t hesitate to simply ask for help via email: skinnydip@
When is it happening?
Throughout September 2018. (#Septembare). Any date is fine. Venues can put on more than one if they like or select an adverse-weather fall back date.
Photo by Nsey Benajah on Unsplash
There are also numerous places around the UK where you can already skinny dip …